BEAUTY salons have been given the go-ahead to open from Monday, the Government has confirmed.

In a press conference on Thursday Culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced that beauticians, tattooists and tanning salons can welcome back clients in the latest easing of the lockdown.

He said:“Having allowed hairdressers to reopen, beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons and other close contact services can now do the same, I’m pleased to say, from Monday.

“Of course that will be subject to some restrictions on particularly high-risk services.”

So what does this mean for those who have been waiting for the beauticians to reopen?

What about my beauty routine? Can I get my nails done?

Yes. Nail bars will be allowed to reopen on Monday July 13, along with beauty salons, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses, spas and piercing services.

What about a lip wax and eyelash extensions?
No. That won't be possible. Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone - directly in front of the face should be made available at beauty salons.
This means that treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facials, should not be provided until Government advice changes, due to the much greater risk of transmission.

Apart from fewer treatments, how different will my trip to the beautician's be?
You can forget about having your usual cup of coffee, and there will be no lounging around having long chats after you get beautified.

Measures in place are to include screens, appointment-only booking systems, minimising time spent on the premises, increased hand washing and surface cleaning, using disposable equipment where possible, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact.

Other measures include maintaining sufficient spacing between customer chairs, and banning food or drink other than water.